LABOR AND RELIGION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1922, Page 5

LABOR AND RELIGION.

SPIRITUAL BASTS NEEDED. ESSENCE GF TRUE SERVICE. Christchurch, Dec. 28. Tn an address at a meeting of the conference of the Church of England Men’s Society, Archbishop Julius said: “I am in deep sympathy with the Labor movement. I have watched it and preached about it, and I have done a little service in it. I am tremendously anxious about some things in connection with it. “I know that its ideals are true, and according to the mind of Christ, but I’m afraid lest the Labor Party should forget the spiritual and majestic basis o.' anv work that will be lasting and true. “If the Labor Party does not realise the spiritual basia of its aspirations, it might build on something narrower. If it forgets religion, if it forgets the spirit of Christ, if it loses sight of the sacramental nature of all earthly service whatever, it will fall, and it will be just about as helpful as the other political parties. ’ “The object of our society yr to Tonn a body trained in truly earnest work, which shall go forth through the country penetrating every institution, influencing every kind of work, and bringing in the principles of which T have spoken. I have no sympathy with the man who says: ‘l’m a Christian, and therefore have nothing to do with social affairs.’ Our word is forward—this w God’s world, not the devil’s. This society’s work is quiet penetration, influencing the Labor movement, influencing the Reform Government, Influencing every kind of social movement in the world.

“The whole question of membership then arises. We want quality above everything else. We must pray and pray for every kind of work in the municipal councils and everywhere else. It’s all God’s wish and you must pray for it.”